The exhibition opens in October at 180 Studios.
Gucci's origin story is nothing short of unexpected, with the UK capital playing a pivotal role — hence the importance of the Gucci Cosmos exhibition arriving from 11 October at 180 Studios in London.
Long before the fashion house became synonymous with excessive glamour, founder Guccio Gucci worked as a lowly porter at The Savoy in London, observing well-heeled hotel guests and their luggage. This served as inspiration for his return to Italy, where he worked for a luggage company before launching his own business in 1921, one that initially focused on leather goods and travel accessories.
The decades that followed saw Gucci expand globally, create its now-distinct interlocking Gs, and embrace the green-and-red stripe detail. Incidentally, the Savoy-Plaza Hotel in New York opened a Gucci store as a tribute to Guccio’s time as a porter shortly before his death in 1953.
Now, following its recent debut in Shanghai, the travelling Gucci Cosmos exhibition is gearing up to take up residence in London. The immersive event will look back at the house’s 102-year history, showcasing its most iconic and progressive designs to date.
British artist Es Devlin, who designed the inaugural exhibition in Shanghai, has created an imaginative space that pays homage to London through a series of sets, sculptures and multimedia artworks. Italian curator Maria Luisa Frisa, meanwhile, has sourced never-before-seen items from Gucci's archive, illustrating how the label has evolved and helped define the times through its visionary design ethos.
Naturally, iconic bags will be on display, as will the greatest hits of former creative directors — Tom Ford and Frida Giannini included. Wrapping up in London on 31 December, the Gucci Cosmos exhibition will move to Paris and eventually Kyoto, with both shows featuring narratives that resonate with their host city.
GO: Visit www.gucci.com for more information.